Dec 16, 2019  •  For Sale  •  22 Comments

Solid Project: 1958 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer

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Vehicles designed by Virgil Exner can be accused of being many things, but the word “subtle” is not one that springs instantly to mind. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the 1958 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer, a vehicle with enough fins and chrome to satisfy most 1950s motoring enthusiasts. Barn Finder Ikey H spotted the Dodge for us, so thank you so much for that Ikey, and keep them coming. It is located in Harbor City, California, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $9,900, but if you’re feeling brave, the option is available to make an offer.

The first thing that I noticed with the Dodge is just how solid it appears to be. There is some rust appearing around the rear window. The rest of the panels appear to be clean, with no signs of any rust of any significance in the rear quarter panels, rockers, lower fenders, or doors. The floors carry a good coating of surface corrosion (as does the trunk pan), but apart from a soft area in the front floor on the passenger side, there seem to be no issues of any significance. The owner provides some photos of the Lancer’s underside, and the frame also looks to be rock solid. The vast majority of the tinted glass looks good, although the windshield sports some pretty nasty cracks. However, a quick search showed that replacement windshields are readily available, and will cost around the $420 mark. It looks like all of the external trim and chrome is present, and while the bumpers and a few other items will require a trip to the plater, the remaining trim looks like it would respond well to a bit of work with some polish. Some of the lenses for the tail-lights are also dmamaged, but I was suprised by just how easy replacemnts are to locate.

Being the range-topping Dodge of 1958, the Custom Royal Lancer would have been built with quite a plush interior. Those days have long gone, and a full restoration of the interior will be required. The most awkward part of this process will be the fact that the door trims are missing, so replacements will need to be sourced. Having said that, a bit of a search revealed a number of companies that can supply complete interior trim kits for the 1958 Custom Royal Lancer, but they don’t directly quote prices. It seems to be strictly a price-on-application basis only. If carpet prices are any indication, then the trim might not be too bad, because a full carpet set can be found fairly readily for under $300. Even so, items like the wheel and dash pad will also require replacement, and the companies that I looked at don’t extend to that sort of service. So it looks like a parts search could be on the agenda for the next owner.

The Dodge is a big and relatively heavy car, so the fact that it can accelerate from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds and cover the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds would suggest that it packs something pretty decent under the hood. This is correct, with the 361ci V8 nestling in the engine bay producing 305hp. Being a luxury car, it also features a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. It isn’t clear just how long the Dodge has been inactive for, but it appears as though the engine might be in reasonable health. The owner states that it will fire up using starter fluid and that the transmission seems to select gears. Things look pretty grotty and dirty under the hood, so a good clean is going to be the first order of business. Once this is done, it sounds like there is a real possibility that a full service, a fluid change, and a fuel system flush and clean might have things operating back at their best. Of course, there are bound to be plenty of items, such as the brakes, that will need attention. However, it does appear as though the Dodge is going to prove to be in generally sound mechanical health.

This Dodge Custom Royal Lancer is one very distinctive car, and its styling leaves little doubt about what era it hails from. It would appear that the popularity of 1950s classic cars is showing no signs of diminishing, and it seems that when it comes to vehicles with fins, bigger is definitely better. With that in mind, it should be no surprise to learn that nicely restored examples today will easily sell for prices in excess of $50,000, although sums of $60,000 or more are not unheard of. Given how little rust there is in this vehicle, that would seem to make it a pretty sound candidate for restoration.

Comments

  1. Howard A Howard AMember
    Dec 16, 2019 at 4:20am

    Just not sure what to do with this stuff these days. Re-chroming alone will cost thousands. It is, or was a fantastic car, but again ( and again) cars like this have to be nicer, and unless you have a profound attraction to one, for what you’d have into this, ( and going through several body shops that throw in the towel), you’re just better off finding one original, or older restoration that just needs TLC, than this.

    Like 8
  2. DartDen
    Dec 16, 2019 at 5:51am

    The starting price + Restoring this car will end up costing more than it’s final value…

    Like 3
    • TimS
      Dec 16, 2019 at 9:31am

      Oh, of course. Resale value is the only reason to restore a car. Not because you, you know, want one, or anything.

      Like 25
      • TortMember
        Dec 16, 2019 at 10:45am

        No, it is not the only reason but with the rarity of the car parts would be either almost impossible to find or extremely expensive. Even for people like myself that enjoy and do the work I can’t see putting twice or more into it that it will be worth when restored even if you plan driving it forever.

        Like 5
      • DartDen
        Dec 16, 2019 at 2:12pm

        Tim, I own several classic cars, and despite the love of each, chose carefully the necessary resources into restorations not becuase I was looking to flip for a profit, but becuase it’s just plain stupid to build a car well-beyond it’s market value instead of buying one that has been already restored. The problem is many people get in over their heads and when it’s time to bail out, they think the value is everything they put in, despite what the marketplace value is for the car.

        If you’re putting in 2 or 3 times the value of the car you “love” please don’t say it’s worth more than the marketplace value because you had to pay more to get it to a Strong #2 or to a #1 condition. I’ve seen that all too often with people who say they weren’t concerned about resale when they restored their car…

        Like 5
      • Steve R
        Dec 17, 2019 at 2:24am

        DartDen, you are absolutely correct.

        Many of the people that make the argument that value shouldn’t be a factor are among the loudest when it comes to complaining about overpriced projects and how the market is in a bubble. They can’t have it both ways. Cars such as this will be hit much harder than popular musclecars if the market eventually tanks.

        Steve R

        Like 1
  3. Will Fox
    Dec 16, 2019 at 7:34am

    I’ve seen in recent years a fairly strong number of restored `57-`58 Dodge Custom Royals, and the end results appear to be VERY much worth the cost. OK, so this is not a “Super D-500” 2x4bbl. Hemi V8; that doesn’t take away from this at all. From the toothy grin up front to the beautiful two-toning, these underdogs are real eye-catchers at shows. Plus, the MoPar club has go-to’s that specialize in various vintages of models, making info alot easier from those that own & have worked on a particular model. I wonder if the seller has the missing door trim panels, etc?

    Like 5
  4. Ken Cwrney
    Dec 16, 2019 at 8:36am

    My parents had the 4 door hardtop version of this car and despite this, it was
    still an attractive car. Ours was pink and
    white with a very loud pink, black, and white interior. I seem to recall that ours
    had a 325 Red Ram hemi for power too.
    It also had the 2 rear fender antennas
    for the radio as well. Dad added a 102
    inch whip antenna to the mix for his CB
    radio, and that made the car look like it
    came from outer space. In fact, there
    was one Sunday that he scared the crap
    out the congregation of the church we
    were attending then. The pastor was
    telling the crowd that one day the Lord
    would speak unto them. And just after
    he said that, Dad’s voice came over the
    church’s sound system loud and clear!
    It seemed that the signal from the CB
    radio “bled” over the PA system in the
    Sanctuary and caused that “devine”
    moment much to my Mom’s embarrassment. Me, I thought it was
    pretty cool, but after we adjusted the
    TVI trap at the rear of the PA system
    in the church, there were no more “divine”
    moments like that again. Great car! Ahh
    the memories!

    Like 11
  5. 58Regallancer
    Dec 16, 2019 at 9:21am

    Need to do you’re research more thoroughly, it is a 1958 Custom Royal, but someone has installed a 1957 front clip, engine will be a 350ci, 361ci was D500 spec, dash pads are available, and steering wheel can be restored by a few different companies.

    Like 1
  6. Frank Shearer
    Dec 16, 2019 at 9:24am

    Looks more like a 57 to me. Only has single headlamps.

    Like 1
    • Phil Maniatty
      Dec 16, 2019 at 7:11pm

      The position of the inside rear view mirror makes this a ’58. The front clip might be from a ’57.

      Like 1
  7. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember
    Dec 16, 2019 at 2:03pm

    It’s called, for the love of the hobby!
    The love of a fine, classic automobile.
    I’ve seen these comments over and over again here on Barn Finds and it always makes me wonder, why are you here? If money is your only concern (return on your investment) why are you here? Play the stock market if money is your only concern.
    Those of us who have a love for these old beauties, keeping them alive for future generations is our concern.
    Does this fall under “politics” or “personal attacks”? I hope not. Just venting my opinion as certain others vented theirs.

    Like 6
    • cunnanm
      Dec 16, 2019 at 8:40pm

      Are there any Hot Rodders on here? Not everything needs to be “Restored”. Just fix it and drive it! It’s a hobby for sure and if “messing it up” by not restoring it, so be it. It’s better than sending it to the crusher!

      Like 3
  8. Rustytech RustytechMember
    Dec 16, 2019 at 2:45pm

    I’m not positive about the year, I thought the 58’s had the option of 2 or 4 headlamps as some states hadn’t made the quads legal yet. This is a pretty solid looking Dodge, and I think it would make a nice project for someone who can do at least some of the needed work. I’ve done several restorations that put me upside down just because I liked the car, or because I had some connection with it. It’s like buying a new car, you drive it, enjoy it. It deprecates, after you’ve enjoyed it for awhile you let it go and lose some money. So what!

    Like 4
    • Ed P
      Dec 16, 2019 at 9:38pm

      The 57’s had single headlights, due to states not approving quads yet. A few were built with quad headlights, I’m told. All the 58’s had quad lights.

      Like 0
  9. FordGuy1972 FordGuy1972
    Dec 16, 2019 at 4:07pm

    These cars were serious rusters so finding one that’s not completely rotted out is fairly unusual. This one seems like a pretty decent starting point for a restoration but as noted by a few comments already, it may be a costly one. The styling on the Chryslers of the period was amazing and restored examples are stunning. Materials, parts and chroming won’t be cheap but if you can do the bodywork and paint yourself, you may be OK when it’s time to let it go. I would like to think these cars will continue to increase in value, too; you’ll certainly never see their like again.

    Like 3
  10. TimM
    Dec 16, 2019 at 7:29pm

    This is a cool car that you just don’t see much of anymore!!! Not my style personally but it’s a big American finned cruiser!!! I’ve always built my own cars because it’s been easier for me to keep dropping smaller amounts of money over a longer period of time then dumping a large sum all at once!! I also get to personalize it to some degree!!! Not saying it’s for everyone but it’s always worked for me!!!

    Like 1
  11. Purple sky
    Dec 16, 2019 at 7:41pm

    Seller says he BELIEVES it is a 361! Not for sure. I’ve heard that phrase so many times it’s getting irritating. Buy one already done, yeah in this case that would be about $50,000 Most I have to believe do NOT have $50,000 cash laying around to plop down tomorrow to drive one away. Most would put up the $10,000 in this case and over a period of 2-3 years invest the rest. Although if you are going to get bent over and pile $100,000 to some “restoration shop” then by all means take out a second mortgage and park one you find at one of the thousands of “collector” car joints in your garage for half of that $100,000. There it will sit 75% of it’s life with you collecting dust and be asked by the “wife” why you’re paying for this thing to sit and collect dust…. Hopefully if you find one for $50,000 “restored” it won’t be some pig with loads of lipstick on it covering a rust bucket. Good shops can hide a lot from the average Joe Consumer who want to play “car guy” this weekend at some cruise or show. Yeah, good luck I say.

    Like 1
    • ctmphrs
      Dec 17, 2019 at 9:36am

      Good shops don’t hide things.

      Like 0
  12. Ed P
    Dec 16, 2019 at 9:41pm

    The 350 was only available in 1958. Because it was a one year only motor, it is not as well known as the 361.

    Like 0
  13. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember
    Dec 17, 2019 at 10:53am

    Sooner or later the market will tank. That’s inevitable. But, does that mean that cars like this ’58 Dodge is not worth restoring? Only muscle cars because they will retain their value?
    If I never joined this hobby, I’d probably be a millionaire by now, not spending all that money on cars I loved, enjoyed and restored. But I did join the hobby. I do have a love for most vehicles.
    In the early 2000s I purchased a 1970 Buick Riviera for $600. I put $5000 into it. Drove it. Enjoyed it. Then had to sell it. I got $600 for it. A loss of $5000, but in my book it wasn’t a loss. The car is drivable and enjoyable and someone will pick up where I left off and continue to restore it.
    Granted, $5000 isn’t a lot when you’re comparing a $100,000 concores restoration, but the principal is the same.

    Like 0
  14. Miguel
    Dec 18, 2019 at 7:20am

    HUGE RED FLAG!

    The car was bought from a tow yard and will be sold on a bill of sale.

    The car has been out of the DMV system for years, so there is probably an owner out there that has claim to the car.

    The tow yard did not provide any lien sale documents so the previous owners were never notified of the sale by the tow yard.

    The VIN would have to be checked to see if it was reported stolen at some point.

    Like 1

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entmetadata"> May 6, 2023 at 7:16am

It is a 361 evidenced by the “E” faintly seen on the valve cover which designates the 400HP claim by Ford…the 410 cu in used a Holley 4 bbl and also had a fuel pump bolted to the timing chain cover upside down..the teletouch was rushed into production and the engineers didn’t think about the heat that would envelope the shift motor and wiring outside the transmission directly above the drivers side exhaust pipe….Thus a pre-70’s catalyic converter fix was employed shortly after many complaints of erratic performance were reported to dealers…a thin metal shield was bolted to the block and transmission between the pipe and trans parts….it worked as long as the shield was left in place..many were removed during trans service procedures..the wiring was par for the day but nothing like todays wiring…the push buttons worked fine…there are many guys offering complete rebuild/upgrades today for those who want the latest improvements built into their teletouch ..Ford offered the lever control auto transmission for those who no longer wanted the teletouch in their car as a fix..( which was offered as a $217.70 option when new)….

Like 4
Reply
  • Willard
    May 6, 2023 at 10:01am

    I can see just enough to tell that it is indeed a postless 4 door hardtop. Best use would be as a 100% restored car for those of that bent. Those of us in the hot rod and custom world would prefer the two door models. Only solution for this car is to take completely apart, catalog everything, then take it down to bare metal and do a complete rebuild of everything. Deserves nothing less. Just getting it running and a quick spit shine before heading off to the nearest car show while leaning to one side because the suspension is shot just won’t do.

    Like 2
  • DAVID G
    May 5, 2023 at 6:06pm

    No manual trans or column-shift Auto possible for the Citation model in 1958, everyone was pushin’ buttons! (Had to step down to a 58 Pacer, Ranger, or Wagon model for other-than-Teletouch trans.)

    All Citations had the 410ci, an MEL design engine (Fuel Pump up front and mounted up high above the WaterPump). Correct Carb was a Holley 4150 but as we all know, the Autolite 4bbl would fit and is a much more reliable and maintenance-free design.

    Like 2
  • Joe Machado
    May 5, 2023 at 8:12pm

    Y’all, it’s a Citation, not Ranger-Pacer

    Like 0
  • HCMember
    May 5, 2023 at 10:19pm

    1958 sure was a bad year for many Amercican model cars. Sorry, but I’m too old too be cleaning up all that rat and mouse poop, along with their nests in every square inch of the frame and places you’d never suspect. Good luck to the buyer.

    Like 3
  • donald Doxtater
    May 6, 2023 at 9:18am

    i had a 58 citation and the only problem with tele shift was the motor that did the shifting was to weak to shift in the wintertime without warming the car up for at least 20 minutes before it would shift into gear, no quick moves to get anywhere in a hurry .

    Like 1
  • Robert HagedornMember
    May 7, 2023 at 11:26am

    The glove compartment door that probably hides the rat family living inside looks in good condition.

    Like 0
  • HCMember
    May 8, 2023 at 3:29pm

    It was interesting reading about the teletouch shifter that these later 50s Edsels had at the time and the problems they were prone to having and the fixes involved to correcting the problems. Guess with these problems is why you didn’t see the teletouch in many Ford or Mercury’s into the 60s. Chrysler had a similar push button type trans shifter that did survive into the early to mid 60s some maybe they were designed to be more reliable. Don’t think they were electrical though,maybe vacuum controlled?

    Like 2
  • "Edsel" Al leonardMember
    May 8, 2023 at 3:40pm

    The teletouch was rushed into production by the pencil pushers- remember Robert McNamara?? The idea was OK, the components and locations of the components was the systems demise. I haven’t been able to get an exact date, but it didn’t last the whole production year of 1958..too many problems and with it the reputation on the line, they discontinued it and went to the lever shift if the owners wanted it.. Today, there are several guys that can set you up with any piece you need with modern components at reasonable prices..and some have re-build services that take all the work out of it except R & R..It’s always a hit at the shows when people ask “What are those buttons for??”

    Like 2
  • Bill McCoskey Bill McCoskeyMember
    May 8, 2023 at 6:05pm

    The 1956 Packard was the first car to have a “push button shifter” for an automatic transmission [beating Chrysler by a matter of days!], it was a small box that replaced the lever shifter, and had 6 buttons. The above schematic has the following text:

    “Operation of the system is portrayed schematically. The driver’s forefinger puts touch-pressure on the push-button ‘D’ for ‘Drive.’ With no mechanical linkage to overcome, touch-pressure of the forefinger sends electrical signal (course of signal shown by arrows) down from push-button console, located on steering column, through wire to ‘servo-motor.’ Upon receipt of electric signal, servo-motor turns in proper direction to actuate worm and segment gear which rotates range selector shaft which, in turn, chooses driving position indicated by driver’s forefinger on push-button. The selection made, circuit of electrical power is broken off until need for another driving range selection. All this procedure takes place in smallest fraction of a second. The Packard electric push-button system is the only one to offer a ‘safe-parking’ feature.”

    The system, like the Edsel version, was rushed into production, and had only one serious problem that was eventually solved: The contacts on the servo motor next to the transmission had bare copper connections, and they could corrode if moisture got into the selector case. The corrosion would cause the contacts to overheat and warp.

    The permanent solution was to have the contacts plated with a small amount of gold, thereby eliminating the corrosion. Once the system has been updated, it is quite reliable. Also note that if the car is stopped and the ignition is turned off, the car will put itself into park. If the car needs to be towed or otherwise kept in neutral without the ignition turned on, just disconnect the battery cable with the Neutral button depressed.

    Note that while the text makes it seem like all you have to do is touch the button, in reality you have to actually push the button in until the mechanism both mechanically and electrically connects. It’s a positive engagement, much like many 1950s and ’60s electrical switches as on electric stoves. Pushing another button will make the previous button pop back out, as only 1 button can be pushed down at a time.

    Like 1
  • Bill McCoskey Bill McCoskeyMember
    May 8, 2023 at 6:10pm

    Here’s an original magazine ad of the new 1956 Packard Caribbean convertible, where they tout the push-button shift as well as the reversible seat cushions [leather on one side, fabric on the other].

    Like 3
  • HCMember
    May 8, 2023 at 6:30pm

    Bill was the Packard’s push button trans design more like Ford or Chyslers? Or even better

    Like 0
  • HCMember
    May 8, 2023 at 10:39pm

    Bill, thanks for posting the Packard diagram for the push button trans selector. Can’t imagine having to gold plate the contacts on the transmission servo motor as a repair. What a PITA

    Like 1

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